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Oxford Properties Group's $650 million revitalization of the multi-building Richmond-Adelaide Centre in Toronto's Financial District is celebrating one last addition to the site with the reveal of a new art installation. Adding to the refreshed and expanded office complex, the $2 million installation known as Dreaming has been turning heads since popping up in September on "The Terrace," a public plaza in front of 120 Adelaide Street West.
Dreaming marks the second public installation in the Toronto area by internationally celebrated artist, Jaume Plensa, known for large-scale public art installations in cities including Chicago, New York, London, Singapore, and Tokyo. Weighing two-and-a-half tonnes and rising three storeys in height, the installation takes the form of a cast stone portrait of a young girl with her eyes closed in quiet contemplation, constructed of white marble and resin.
“The installation of this large-scale sculpture at the Richmond-Adelaide Centre’s new Terrace couldn’t have come at a better time for residents seeking socially distant ways to enjoy Toronto’s outdoor, public art,” reads a prepared statement from Mayor John Tory. “I want to thank Oxford Properties for embracing its commitment to public art with the selection of Dreaming which will catch the eye of every passerby at this newly restored commercial plaza. The restoration and redevelopment of the surrounding office buildings represent a multi-year revitalization initiative by Oxford that will greatly improve our city’s Financial District.”
The complex's revitalization has had many moving parts, starting with renovations to the Peter Dickinson-designed 111 Richmond Street West, lasting from 2010 to 2012. Since then, the complex has added the 40-storey EY Tower at 100 Adelaide West, has reclad the office towers at 120 & 130 Adelaide West, and restored heritage details while adding new space at 85 Richmond West.
Plensa's first Toronto area installation is 'As One' in Terminal One at Toronto Pearson International Airport. You can learn more about the various elements of the Richmond Adelaide Centre revitalization by visiting the associated database files, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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| Related Companies: | Kramer Design Associates Limited, LiveRoof Ontario Inc, PCL Construction, Trillium Architectural Products, Walters Group, WND Associates Ltd, WZMH Architects |
